THE MINISTRY of Trade has scheduled a limited coordination meeting with the Ministry of Industry next week to discuss the battered state of the national textile industry.
The Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Isy Karim, revealed that the two ministries would discuss the existence of the Minister of Trade Regulation (Permendag) No 8/2024 concerning Import Policies and Regulations which various parties accused of being the culprit behind the collapse of a number of industries, including textiles, because they opened up the import faucet. .
“Next week’s plan will be to discuss with the Ministry of Industry regarding the condition of the textile industry. Minister of Trade Regulation No. 8/2024 will also be discussed later,” said Isy at the Jakarta Ministry of Trade office, Wednesday (30/10).
Previously, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that Minister of Trade Regulation No. 8/2024 was one of the causes of the sluggish domestic textile industry. Textile giant PT Sritex was even declared bankrupt by PN Niaga due to financial difficulties due to sluggish sales.
“So the industry, including textiles or especially Sritex, is not the only problem financingit’s not just the problem that the export market is sluggish. Yes, if the export market is sluggish, of course the domestic market should be protected. The logic should be like that. “When a domestic industry cannot find a global market because it is sluggish, it must be able to enter the domestic market comfortably because what is at stake is our workforce,” he said. (E-2)
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**Interview with Dr. Clara Nguyen: Expert in Circular Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Fashion**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nguyen. With recent discussions around the textile industry’s challenges, particularly in light of the upcoming coordination meeting by the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Industry, how do you see the concept of circular entrepreneurship impacting the industry?
**Dr. Nguyen:** Thank you for having me. Circular entrepreneurship can play a crucial role in revitalizing the textile industry, especially with the pressing issue of waste and sustainability. By implementing a circular economy model, industries can move away from the traditional linear model of ‘take-make-dispose’ towards a more sustainable cycle of production where products are reused, recycled, and remade.
**Interviewer:** What are some practical steps the industry can take to close the loop on textiles, especially in the context of jeans recycling?
**Dr. Nguyen:** Closing the loop in the textile industry requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves not only redesigning products for longevity and recyclability but also establishing partnerships between manufacturers, consumers, and recyclers. For jeans, for instance, brands can introduce take-back programs encouraging customers to return their old jeans for recycling. Additionally, collaborating with startups that specialize in textile recycling can create a more integrated ecosystem.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned the importance of partnerships. Can you elaborate on who these stakeholders might be?
**Dr. Nguyen:** Certainly. Stakeholders could include manufacturers, who need to embrace sustainable materials; designers, who are pivotal in creating adaptable and eco-friendly designs; recycling companies that can process old textiles; and consumers, who play a vital role in participating through responsible purchasing and recycling practices. Moreover, policymakers and NGOs can support this ecosystem by providing frameworks and incentives for sustainable practices.
**Interviewer:** As the industry prepares for the coordination meeting, what key messages should be highlighted to ensure a productive discussion?
**Dr. Nguyen:** It’s essential to emphasize the urgency of transitioning to a circular economy. The industry is facing significant pressure due to environmental concerns and resource scarcity. The meeting should focus on collaborative actions, investment in sustainable technologies, and development of policies that support circular initiatives. A unified approach is crucial for creating a resilient textile industry moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Nguyen, for your insights on this important topic. We look forward to seeing how these discussions evolve at the meeting next week.
**Dr. Nguyen:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important time for the textile industry, and I hope we see meaningful progress toward sustainability.
